LGBTQIA+ leaders in business are increasingly recognized as diversity and inclusion efforts begin to accelerate. This trend gained prominence when LGBTQIA+ rights took center stage for the first time at the World Economic Forum in 2017. Yet, seven years later, the number of openly gay Fortune 500 CEOs has only risen from one to four. While most large companies today talk a good “diversity and inclusion” talk, the lack of accelerated progress can be frustrating for those of us who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The promise is palpable. However, in order to compound the momentum, LGBTQIA+ professionals must seize the opportunity and come together to increase visibility and awareness of the true benefits of a diverse workforce.

But where does one begin, especially when there are few trailblazers in this space, and fewer still for LGBTQIA+ professionals with intersectional gender, racial, and socioeconomic identities? Where do we seek inspiration in a void of leaders who look like us and are like us?

Based on insights collected from over a decade of navigating this exciting white space, we’ve compiled five actionable insights for spurring on momentum of diversity and inclusion in business, and for maximizing the value that being your LGBTQIA+ self brings to any organization, just in time for Pride Month.

Learn about Propeller’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

# Insight No. 1: Develop Your Own Leadership Voice

In absence of a plethora of role models and inspiration in this space, LGBTQIA+ leaders in business should go inward and develop their own powerful, authentic, unique voice. Seek to give expression to your experience — not only your professional experience but also your personal experiences facing cultural and historic challenges of acceptance and equality.

Take a measured, unique stance where it benefits the organization overall and give room for diversity to express itself. Demonstrate empathy, practice active listening, and ensure that diverse voices are represented appropriately in your decision-making. Your greatest mission is to cultivate the meritorious, underrepresented voices of those around you and to stress their importance in the workplace for the growth and success of the organization.


# Insight No. 2: Learn, Adapt, and Grow Your Business Acumen Continuously

Whether it is understanding the impacts of machine learning and artificial intelligence, new performance management and organizational development concepts, or mastering design-thinking to drive organizational strategy, there is a limitless pool of information and learning around us that we can tap into. Never miss an opportunity to learn and grow.


Working on our knowledge base and the value we bring to our teams helps us grow our confidence and add credibility to the voice we’ve developed. Seek out areas where you can “make something out of nothing” and strive to drive results in those non-sexy yet high-value pockets within your organization. Utilize your training time and budget effectively and completely. If you're pressed for time, flexible, self-paced learning from sites like Lynda or Skillshare are great options.

# Insight No. 3: Seek a Mentor, Be a Mentor

Remember: always strive to learn from the best. Be bold and ask for mentorship from leaders who demonstrate attributes you want to grow in yourself. LGBTQIA+ leaders should seek mentors who bring their authentic selves to work and who successfully mesh their personal self into their professional lives in their unique ways.

When that’s done, pay your mentorship forward. Find gratitude for your life’s experiences and opportunities and redirect that gratitude back into the futures of others. Each and every one of us has something to offer. Defining what “that” is for you is a great exercise in introspection. 

If you are relatively young in your career, remember that high school and college students could gain from your perspectives. Engaging with organizations like StartOut is another way to give back.

# Insight No. 4: Create a Safe Environment

People do their best work when they’re comfortable being themselves in a work environment, and teams shine when they’re comprised of diverse perspectives. That said, being comfortable and feeling safe enough to be out and proud in the workplace is an incredible act of bravery, even in companies that value diversity and inclusion. LGBTQIA+ bias in the workplace manifests itself in a variety of ugly ways, and for many individuals, it can simply be easier to hide their true selves from their employer and coworkers.


To create a truly inclusive environment, leaders in business must actively work to eliminate biases and foster a culture of authenticity and compassion. This involves not only setting up policies and procedures that protect LGBTQIA+ employees but also promoting open dialogue and understanding among all team members. Providing DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) training, creating support networks, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ events can help reinforce the company’s commitment to inclusivity. When LGBTQIA+ business leaders and employees feel safe and valued, they are more likely to contribute authentically and innovatively, driving better business outcomes. Encouraging authenticity and showing genuine support can transform a workplace into a space where everyone feels empowered and seen.

# Insight No. 5: Lead By Example

LGBTQIA+ business leaders can significantly impact their organizations as exemplars of inclusion and barrier breaking. By being vocal about their identities, leaders comfortable with being out can set a powerful precedent for others in the LGBTQIA+ community (as with Apple CEO Tim Cook inspiring more business leaders to come out and champion inclusion). This visibility shows that success is achievable regardless of one’s background, and demonstrates organizational acceptance. Leaders can go on to support and create safe spaces and allyship for other LGBTQIA+ professionals, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. This approach not only enhances authentic business leadership, but also ensures that organizations benefit from the diverse talents and perspectives of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

# Inspiring LGBTQIA+ Leaders

Some of the world’s leading businesses are headed by trailblazing leaders from the LGBTQIA+ community. These individuals have not only made significant contributions to their fields, but have also paved the way for greater acceptance and inclusion within the business world.

# Tim Cook – Apple

Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, has long been a pioneering force in the tech industry. One of the most prominent openly gay CEOs — and the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company — Cook has used his massive platform to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion, especially in the corporate world. Under his leadership, Apple has continued to innovate and lead in various technological advancements, reinforcing the importance of diversity at the helm of major corporations.

# Martine Rothblatt – GeoStar, United Therapeutics

Martine Rothblatt, founder of GeoStar and United Therapeutics, as well as the creator of SiriusXM Satellite Radio, is a trailblazer in the fields of satellite communications and biotechnology. As a transgender leader, Rothblatt has been an advocate for trans rights and has made significant strides in both the business space and social activism. Her innovative spirit and dedication to inclusivity have made Rothblatt a role model for many aspiring LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs.

# Arlan Hamilton – Backstage Capital

Arlan Hamilton, a Black lesbian woman, is the CEO, founder, and managing partner of Backstage Capital. Her firm focuses on funding underrepresented founders, recognizing that less than 10% of venture capital deals go to women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ founders. Through Backstage Capital, Hamilton has raised over $30 million and invested in 200 startups. Her work not only provides funding to diverse founders but empowers a wider range of investors to participate in the venture capital ecosystem, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment in the startup and entrepreneurial world.

# Beth Ford – Land O’Lakes

Beth Ford, CEO of Land O’Lakes, is one of the few openly lesbian business leaders in the Fortune 500. Ford has been out for the entirety of her professional career, and her commitment to diversity has helped transform Land O’Lakes into a forward-thinking company. Consistently vocal about the importance of being true to oneself, Ford hopes her visibility as CEO helps others to do the same.

# Leanne Pittsford – Lesbians Who Tech

Leanne Pittsford, founder of Lesbians Who Tech, has created a global community for inclusion and representation in technology and business, including over 110,000 LGBTQIA+ women, BIPOC, trans, and nonbinary leaders and allies. Her work has provided a platform for underrepresented voices in tech and has promoted greater inclusivity in the industry. Pittsford's dedication to fostering a supportive network has inspired countless LGBTQIA+ professionals to pursue careers in technology.

# Jim Fitterling – Dow Inc.

Jim Fitterling is the CEO of chemical supergiant Dow, Inc., and has spent the entirety of his career with the company. It was after thirty years of being a closeted executive that Fitterling finally had the courage to come out to his workforce, emboldened by the example of Tim Cook. Ever since, Fitterling has championed a wealth of diversity and inclusion initiatives within Dow. His leadership has not only driven the company's growth but also highlighted the value of an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.

# Key Takeaways

LGBTQIA+ leaders have the power and opportunity to drive positive change throughout the business world. By looking to inspiring LGBTQIA+ business leaders, we can see the tangible benefits of diversity and the importance of representation in business leadership roles. Through cultivating an authentic leadership voice, growing business acumen, surrounding yourself with brilliant mentors, and leading by example, LGBTQIA+ professionals can advance their careers and places of work while fueling the momentum of diversity and inclusion at large. Embrace your true self, and let it be the driving force for your success and the success of your organization.


Looking for support on your journey? Propeller knows what it takes to lead while fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace. Reach out today and discover how expert help can lead to expert results.